The Liao Tower Research

This thesis focuses on the pagodas of the Liao dynasty (Pagodas built with bricks and stones). The Liao Dynasty’s Buddhist architectural remains relatively more in the Chinese religion art sites, while, mostly architectural scholars study them. I found there are fewer discussions in the research of art history. I’ve observed pagodas in the Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Hebei or other provinces of the Liao dynasty. Combing the documents and researches, I try to discuss issues on the pagoda statues, burial system, religion and other related problems on the pagodas of the Liao Dynasty.My thesis is divided into four chapters. The introduction summarized the present situation and research history of the Liao pagodas, and put forward my problems based on the foundation. The first chapter which involves many problems. First on the one hand, a great number of Liao pagodas appeared after emperor Sanzong of Liao acceded to the throne. During the emperor Xingzong and Taozong’s period, the Liao pagoda type turned into a mature pattern. It can be look on as the Liao pagodas’typical style of the boom. Second, from the Liao Dynasty’s Buddhist ceremony advance, we can build the relationship between political and Buddhist architectures of the Liao Dynasty, which is different from the history of architecture. This perspective is closer to the art history research. The third aspect, discuss the Liao pagoda type and image, the relationship between the faith. The fourth aspect, the Liao dynasty regime completed the territory expansion, population expansion, technological and Chinese culture learning and accumulation quite fast because of their military actions. Fifth, people of the Liao Dynasty repaired many remains of Buddhist architecture of former dynasties, which involves sculptures and architectures. I selected several important cases for analysis. Chapter3and4are the most important parts. Chapter2topics the seven ancient Buddha belief. According to the patterns of seven ancient Buddha and the translation of the Buddhist sutras during the Liao dynasty, we figure out that the seven ancient Buddha seven Buddha and the Dharani have close relations, and the thought of "blessing the nation" represented in specific Buddhist activities. The third chapter is divided into three parts, the first section discusses the the images of Liao pagodas outside, involved in belief problems. Secondly, The Liao pagodas’burial system is to be discussed, including the influence of the Usbisa Vijaya Dharani and the Rasmi Vimala Visuddha Prabha Dharani on the Sarira burying. There are lots of close relations between the pagodas and tombs. The forth section, to discuss the Liao pagodas’"cover" and "to suppress the evil" two functions. My thesis’last chapter, conclusion, is to summarize all discussed problems.